Mumbai, Feb 6: In a remarkable recovery that highlights both medical precision and compassionate care, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, helped a 66-year-old woman living with advanced Parkinson’s disease reclaim her mobility, expressions, and emotional presence through Deep Brain Stimulation .

The patient had been battling Parkinson’s for over 12 years. Over time, her condition worsened to the point where she weighed just 30 kilograms, was extremely frail, dependent on others for basic movement, and showed almost no facial expression—commonly referred to as the “masked face” seen in advanced Parkinson’s. Walking had become rigid and painful, medications were no longer effective, and everyday life had narrowed to survival.

She was evaluated by Dr. Manish Baldia, Consultant Functional Neurosurgeon, who discussed the option of DBS—a minimally invasive surgical procedure that helps regulate abnormal brain signals responsible for Parkinson’s symptoms. Given her fragile physical state and low body weight, the decision required careful consideration and extensive counselling.

“We took time to explain every aspect of the procedure to the family,” said Dr. Baldia. “Their questions were thoughtful and protective, which is exactly how such decisions should be made. Importantly, very low body weight alone is not a contraindication for DBS.”

Following meticulous planning and advanced targeting, the surgery was performed successfully without complications. Special care was taken to ensure precision, considering her frail condition, followed by gradual and individualized post-operative programming.

In the weeks that followed, the changes were significant. Rigidity reduced, walking improved, facial expressions slowly returned, severe abdominal discomfort eased, and Parkinson’s medications were eventually stopped. She also gained 7–8 kilograms, reflecting improved appetite, strength, and overall well-being.

Beyond the clinical improvements, the emotional transformation stood out. Family members noticed her engaging in simple, personal routines again—choosing her clothes, applying cream, looking at herself in the mirror—actions that had disappeared over the years. One of her children later shared with the treating team that it was the first time in many years they had seen her smile naturally and celebrate festivals with genuine happiness.

For Dr. Baldia, this is the true impact of functional neurosurgery. “DBS is not just about improving movement. It’s about restoring dignity, confidence, and the sense of self that Parkinson’s slowly takes away.”

This case reinforces how advanced DBS, expert neurosurgical care, and a patient-first approach at Wockhardt Hospitals can meaningfully transform lives, even in the most advanced and fragile stages of Parkinson’s disease.